Synopsis.Experimental methods for measuring the mechanical properties of concentrated polymer solutions and other viscoelastic systems under periodically varyiny stresses are reviewed. These include direct measurements of stress and strain, measurements of response at resonance frequencies determined by the inertia of the apparatus, propagation of waves in extended media, and measurements of resonance vibrations. The conditions for the suitability of each method are discussed, and equations for the interrelation of the various quantities measured are given. Examples are shown to illustrate the fitting of experimental data to the calculated behavior of mechanical models, in order to obtain frequency-independent mechanical constants which can be interpreted in terms of molecular behavior.It may be equally well represented by a frequency-dependent capacity in parallel with a frequencydependent resistance, the frequency variation of these units following certain simple relations (Debye, Polar Molecules, 1923). The latter model facilitates interpretation of the phenomenon in terms of orientation of dipoles, while the former leads to interpretation in terms of a heterogeneous system of two dielectric solids. notation is regretted, but it is hoped that the present notation, which has been chosen with care, will serve better for a variety of experimental methods and a variety of mechanical models.

Vol. 71 022 isolated by filtering, washing with water and then acetone, and drying, was shown to be 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine-6-carboxylic acid (III) by comparison of the ultraviolet absorption curve with that of an authentic sample.8 9,10-Dimethylpteroic Acid (IV).-This was prepared similarly to V above, except that ^-methylaminobenzoic acid8 was used (see Tabic 1 for ultraviolet absorption and biological data).

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Abstract

Background Spiritual care is a core component of holistic palliative care assessment. Previous research has explored spiritual care from the perspectives of doctors and trained nurses within palliative care units. Healthcare assistants (HCAs) have most contact with patients during an inpatient admission, and it might be argued have the greatest opportunity to deliver spiritual care. This study describes perceptions of spiritual care among HCAs. Method Qualitative semistructured interviews with HCAs in an in-patient hospice setting on their perceptions of spiritual care were conducted (n=12) as part of an undergraduate special study module. Internal approval for the study was obtained. A questionnaire was devised based on those used in previous studies. One-to-one informal interviews with HCAs took place over 3 days in July 2011. Interviews explored HCA's perceptions of spiritual care. Results A number of key themes were identified and will be discussed in detail. Most HCAs identified spiritual care as being part of the holistic care of patients and involves what is important to the patient. None of the respondents interpreted spiritual care as religious care only. Respondents identified their role in delivering spiritual care as spending time with, and listening to patients. Time constraints, noise, and staffing levels were identified as barriers to spiritual care. HCAs were apprehensive at the prospect of additional spiritual care training. Conclusion HCAs are ideally placed to provide spiritual care in their daily contact with patients. Often they do not recognise the crucial role that they play in the delivery of spiritual care, but rather provide spiritual care through intuition and experience. Following on from this study spiritual care training will be provided for all staff within the inpatient unit and the impact of this will be evaluated.